Metrolink receives $3.7 million to enhance safety at busy crossing

The California Transportation Commission allocated $3.7 million to fund safety enhancements to one of Metrolink's busiest crossings, the Broadway/Brazil crossing in Glendale, Calif.

"Approximately a hundred trains and thousands of cars travel through this intersection every day. This funding will be used to enhance safety at one of the region's busiest crossings," said Glendale City Councilman and Metrolink Board Member Ara Najarian. "Working with cities such as Glendale and Los Angeles, this is part of Metrolink's initiative to upgrade rail crossings across its system to create a sealed corridor of safety."

The enhancements are designed to improve safety at the crossing by adding warning devices and barriers that make it difficult for drivers or pedestrians to circumvent gate arms when a train is approaching. Enhancements include additional exit and pedestrian gates, new raised median islands, flashing signals and right of way security gates. Rail signals will also be interconnected with traffic signals to further pre-empt a sequence that ensures the two systems work together direct safe movements among vehicles, pedestrians and trains.

These funds come from the Highway-Railroad Crossing Safety Account, approved by voters as Proposition 1B for the completion of high-priority rail safety projects. Work on this crossing is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2012 and be complete by the third quarter of 2013.